Delicious Latvian Layered Cake

This delightful Latvian layered cake is a festive and elegant treat that brings together the rich flavors of cocoa and vanilla with the tangy taste of fresh cream cheese. With its striking red hue and creamy layers, it's sure to impress at any celebration or gathering. The cake consists of moist layers interspersed with a smooth, sweet cream that balances the robust cake flavors perfectly. The preparation process is a bit time-consuming but is well worth the effort, as the result is a visually stunning and delicious cake. Fresh cranberries and lingonberries are often used as decorations, adding a touch of tartness that complements the sweetness of the cake. The recipe requires careful mixing to achieve the perfect texture, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. The cake is traditionally chilled, allowing the flavors to meld and the cream to set beautifully. It's an indulgent dessert that's an excellent choice for special occasions. Serve it to guests and watch how it quickly becomes a favorite!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 310 g flour
• 1 tsp vanilla sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 30 g cocoa powder
• 240 g butter
• 250 g powdered sugar
• 4 eggs
• 235 ml fresh buttermilk
• 40 g red food coloring

Cream:

• 450 g cream cheese
• 1 tsp vanilla sugar
• 400 g powdered sugar

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 800 minutes (including chilling time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Start by sifting together the flour, vanilla sugar, baking powder, and cocoa powder in a large bowl. Make sure they are thoroughly combined.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.

3. Add Eggs: Gradually add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure the mixture is well emulsified.

4. Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, incorporating them slowly to prevent clumps.

5. Add Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and mix just until combined. This will help the batter remain moist.

6. Color the Batter: Carefully add the red food coloring, mixing until the desired shade is reached. Adjust the color intensity as preferred.

7. Divide and Bake: Split the batter evenly into two cake pans. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Make the Cream: While the cakes cool, prepare the cream by beating together the cream cheese, vanilla sugar, and powdered sugar in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy.

9. Layer the Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of cream on the first layer, then place the second layer on top. Cover the entire cake with the remaining cream.

10. Chill: Allow the assembled cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. This step is crucial for the flavors to fully develop and the texture to firm up.

11. Decorate and Serve: Just before serving, decorate the cake with cranberries, lingonberries, and any other decorative elements to give it a Latvian flair.

Tips

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality butter and fresh eggs.
• Adjust Color: Feel free to use more or less food coloring depending on the shade of red you desire.
• Chilling: Ensure the cake chills for the full 12 hours for optimal texture.

Nutritions

• Calories: 450 per slice
• Protein: 6 g
• Fats: 25 g
• Carbs: 50 g

Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free substitutes for butter and cheese.

Serving Suggestions

• Beverage Pairing: Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Side Dish: Accompany with a fresh fruit platter.

Best Places

1. Riga Cafe - A cozy spot known for its decadent desserts and comforting ambiance. Location: Jēkaba iela 10, Riga, Latvia.

2. Baltic Delights - Offers a curated selection of traditional Latvian cakes and pastries. Location: Vilniaus g. 3, Vilnius, Lithuania.

3. Tallinn Sweets - Nestled in the heart of Tallinn, this cafe is famous for its layered cakes. Location: Viru 12, Tallinn, Estonia.

4. Nordic Desserts - Specializes in a wide array of Nordic-inspired sweets. Location: Rosenborggade 3, Copenhagen, Denmark.

5. Taste of Latvia - Renowned for its traditional Latvian cakes and modern spins on classic recipes. Location: Albertinkatu 33, Helsinki, Finland.

6. Baltica Bakery - A charming bakery dedicated to Eastern European sweets. Location: 6232 N Broadway St, Chicago, USA.

7. Vienna Cake House - Offers a unique fusion of European dessert traditions. Location: Graben 28, Vienna, Austria.

8. London's Sweet Haven - A must-visit for those with a sweet tooth. Location: 45 Marylebone High St, London, England.

9. Paris Pâtisserie - Known for its exquisite presentation and irresistible flavors. Location: 5 Rue de Buci, Paris, France.

10. Berlin Confections - Offers an array of delightful European treats along with Latvian cake. Location: Friedrichstraße 165, Berlin, Germany.